France’s Didier Deschamps Says He Will Not Change Style Following World Cup Win

Didier Deschamps claims that he will not change his style as Les Bleus prepares to embark on their UEFA Nations League campaign.

Deschamps was criticized for a perceived functional style of play at the World Cup causing opposing players to be upset following Belgium’s semifinal exit.

“Should I change just to please my critics?” Deschamps said (h/t ESPN FC).

“The results proved me right, but the critics are always there. I’m here to make choices, take decisions, I assume those. It wasn’t a coincidence that we won, we weren’t always at our best, but it’s all about the final result. The most important thing is being clinical: clinical in attacking and defending. And in that regard, we were better than all the others in that competition, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t change.

“They know very well that the top level is about keeping high standards throughout every competition. If their level isn’t as good, and there are players that didn’t go, but could come in, I’ll do that. It won’t be copy-and-paste every time. It’ll evolve, I’m not fixed on that 23, even if I won’t take away from them the fact that they have done very good things together.”

Deschamps did make a tweak, with goalkeeper Benoit Costil replacing the injured Steve Mandanda, who both backup starter Hugo Lloris, who was arrested for drunk driving earlier this month.

“I’ve talked to him; I’m not going to make much of it. He’s sorry for what happened, he’s apologised, he knows that shouldn’t happen, but it did, but it changes nothing of what I think of him,” Deschamps said.

“I try to make them aware of that, but they’re all responsible for themselves, they’re not children, I’m not a teacher, it’s not a playground. It’s up to them to handle that, and be careful.”

Anthony DiMoro is the founder of Futbol Post. DiMoro has covered sports since 2011 and has launched successful brands such as Sports Rants and DiMoro Sports. Heading up DiMoro Inc., a media family that includes several sports entities, such as the Futbol Post.